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What Would Stoics Do

Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE

Fragments 85 — Epictetus

Translation by George Long (1877)

Epictetus, Fragments 85

As a goose is not frightened by cackling nor a sheep by bleating, so let not the clamour of a senseless multitude alarm you.
— Epictetus, Fragments 85 · tr. George Long (1877)Read in context →

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Epictetus, Fragments 85, tr. George Long (1877)

https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/epictetus-fragments/85

Epictetus, Enchiridion and Fragments, tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences

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In plain English

AI-written notes

A goose is not scared by cackling nor a sheep by bleating, so do not be alarmed by the noise of a thoughtless crowd. A mob's clamour is just noise.

Older wording

“clamour”
— loud noise or outcry

Themes and situations

  • Fear and anxiety
  • Reputation and others' opinions
  • Courage
  • Peace of mind
  • Being criticised or insulted
  • Nerves before a big moment

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Epictetus, Fragments 85, tr. George Long (1877)